Route 66 to success for John Lasseter

Clutching a steering wheel-shaped trophy, “Cars” aficion-ado John Lasseter accepted the Automotive Visionary Award at the Petersen Museum’s Comedy and Cars gala, telling the crowd about how a Route 66 road trip helped him rethink his priorities.

“What was really important to me was to make a movie that satisfied the gearheads and the people who work in the automotive industry,” the Disney/Pixar chief said. “The movie is not just about racing — though the racing is awesome! It’s also about learning the lesson that the journey of life is the reward.”